ADF Australia

You will operate sophisticated surveillance systems to identify, analyze, and monitor potential threats from the control room of a Navy submarine.

Keep the ADF connected, well informed, and operating effectively.

Descriptions:

As an electronic warfare submariner, you’ll operate sophisticated surveillance systems onboard Collins-class submarines that seek out, identify, and track potential threats by intercepting and analysing electromagnetic emissions. You’ll perform a range of surveillance activities, often in time-sensitive environments. Your work will contribute to operational success and help keep the submarine and its crew safe.

Your Duties

Intercepting and identifying radar emissions
Using electromagnetic energy to track and identify threats
Operating pyrotechnics and countermeasures
Providing recommendations to the Command
Implementing effective anti-submarine tactics.

As a submariner, you’ll also perform additional general duties that support the whole submarine, including

Boat security and first aid 
Firefighting and flood repair 
Assisting with medical, ammunitioning, or ceremonial duties.

Qualifications, Training, Skills, and Entry

General entry: Non-technical

No experience required

General requirements

Citizenship

You need to be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF, although permanent resident non-Australian citizens may be eligible to join.

Age

You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 58 years.

Education and experience

Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) education is required with passes in English, maths, and science (physics component desirable). If you haven’t completed Year 10 but are interested in joining, the ADF may be able to support your application.

Note: For electronic warfare submariners, the selection procedure is designed to determine people who can quickly grasp technical concepts. Usually, the people who perform well as electronic warfare submariners have a sound background in science and mathematics. If you want to become an electronic warfare submariner, you should be comfortable with the fundamentals of physics.

Health and fitness

To join the Navy, it’s important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success, as it is an important part of training and service life.

The Navy swim test

During Navy military training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you’ll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate. This includes:

Safety jump off a 3m tower
10m underwater swim
50m swim using survival strokes
Treading water or floating for 15 minutes.

For this role, you’ll require a Positive Vetting (PV) Security Clearance.

Security requirements

All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information, including background checks and/or interviews, so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.

Training

Military training

Course: New Entry Sailor Course (NESC)
Duration: 10 weeks
Location: Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus, Vic

NESC Course

Physical fitness: General fitness and the Navy swim test.
Military life: General service knowledge, including drill and ceremonial procedures.
Military skills: Weapons training, workplace safety, first aid, and sailing.
Navy skills: seamanship, survival at sea, and fire and flood control.

On completion of your NESC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training.

Employment training

Course: Basic Seamanship Lite Course
Duration: 2 weeks
Location: HMAS Cerberus, Vic

This course is completed by all Seaman Branch sailors and covers all aspects of basic seamanship, including:

Boat work – crew, maintenance, and navigation of powerboats
Rigging – working all types of cordage and wire ropes, understanding splicing, maintenance of all forms of rigging, blocks, slips and shackles
Helmsman ship – steering the ship
Ship’s husbandry – cleanliness and maintenance of all parts of a ship (except machinery spaces) and
General working knowledge of ship organization, routines, survival at sea, and the ‘Rule of the Road’ for the prevention of collision at sea.

Course: Submariner Weapons User Course
Duration: 6 weeks
Location: HMAS Cerberus, Vic

Course: Electronic Warfare Initial Employment Training
Duration: 17 weeks
Location: School of Maritime Warfare at HMAS Watson, NSW, or HMAS Stirling, WA

Course: Initial Collins Class Course (ICCC)  
Duration: 5 weeks  
Location: HMAS Stirling, Rockingham, WA  

Course: Submariner Sea Experience  
Duration: 3 to 6 months  
Location: HMAS Stirling, Rockingham, WA  

Course: Submarine Electronic Support Course
Duration: 6 weeks
Location: HMAS Stirling, Rockingham, WA

Period of service

You’ll be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 2 years.

In-Service Information
In the Navy, this role is known as Electronic Warfare – Submariner
Title abbreviation: EWSM

Locations

Following training, you’ll spend the majority of your career based out of HMAS Stirling, WA. There are a number of other shore postings available at various locations around Australia, including:

Canberra, ACT (Fleet, Intelligence, or Submarine support)
HMAS Cerberus, Western Port, Vic (Small Arms or Recruit School Instructor)
HMAS Kuttabul, Sydney, NSW (Fleet and Intelligence support)
HMAS Stirling, Rockingham, WA (EW Instructor, Fleet, Intelligence or Submarine support)
HMAS Watson, Sydney, NSW (EW Instructor)
RAAF Base Edinburgh, SA (Fleet and Submarine Support).

Salary

$103,068 per annum

Plus generous superannuation of 16.4%

Navy Electronic Warfare Submariner Australian Defence Full Time